Texas Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in Texas"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the state of Texas.

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in Texas?

Texas has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways. In Texas, you can obtain your learner’s permit at fifteen and your restricted license at sixteen, with a full license at sixteen and a half.

To adhere to Texas's auto insurance rules, you must...

In Texas, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker carrying the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. Texas requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In Texas, you must have third party liability insurance for bodily injury with each person allowed $20,000.00, up to maximum of $40,000.00, as well as an additional $15,000.00 for property damages. If there are more than two people injured, whoever files first gets the settlement.

2. In Texas, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. You driver’s license can also be suspended if you owe back child support.

Important facts about auto coverage in Texas:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, and leaving the scene of an accident or failing to file an accident report. Seat belts are mandatory in Texas.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in Texas

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: Need to find information about Texas auto insurance and registration regulations?
Need to find out what are the requirements and regulations to have a vehicle registered and insured in the state of Texas

Answer: http://www.dot.state.tx.us/default.htm

Question: Why Defensive Driving Course Certificate can't be used to get an auto insurance discount in Texas?
I passed this course in the middle of 2007 and got this certificate, but i can't use it as one of discount factors when i am gonna to buy an auto insurance. The licensed auto insurance agents told me that Defensive Driving Course Certificate can't be used to get more auto insurance discounts for Texas? Why? It's so weird. So, why Texans need to take that course besides for a court when i got a speeding ticket?

Answer: You can't use it to get a discount if you used it to dismiss a ticket. And maybe your company just doesn't offer that discount. Not all companies do, so shop around. Texans only need to take the class if they are ordered by a judge to not have a ticket go on their record. I also find it strange that you are able to shop for rates online. Typically you can put in your information, but they cannot quote rates online for the state of Texas yet. It has to come from a representative of the company who is licensed.

Question: Does anyone know the penalty for a motorist not having auto insurance in Texas?
The auto is insured, and the driver is authorized to drive it. Got speeding ticket and showed proof of insurance for auto. Went to get deferred adjudication and included copy of insurance card where authorized user but now being asked for insurance on driver.

Answer: A friend had to pay 345 for no insurance

Question: texas auto insurance, deductable on someone else's vehicle you have an accident in?
son works for a dealership and is certified for state inspections, had a two-tire blowout and hit a mailbox, dealership wants my son to pay for the deductable on the customer's vehicle. Is my son liable to pay for that deductable?

Answer: The employer is responsible/liable for the actions of its employee. The dealership should have insurance to cover the damage.

Question: What is the typical rate for adding a teenage girl to auto insurance in Texas?
Female Texas Drivers Education Completed

Answer: I deal strictly with auto insurance and add teenagers everyday. There's really no straight answer I can give you, because there are so many variables. Insurance companies in Texas typically have 25 or more rating tiers. That means 25 different base rates depending on what risk your policy is considered. There is also a big difference in rates depending on what county you live in. I do in-state address changes that subtract or add as much as $300 to people's rates. If you're in a cheap county and in one of your insurance company's most preferred tiers, it might only be an extra $20 - $30/month. On the other end of the spectrum, you could be looking at an extra $200 - $300/month.

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